Shooting the Supers: Marco Glaviano

Introducing Italian photographer Marco Glaviano, who took the definitive fashion images of the 80s.

As told to Estella Shardlow on Thursday 9th February, 2012

What was it like to have your photo become the first 
digital picture to appear in Vogue 30 years ago?
At the time I was under contract with American Vogue and I was experimenting with the very beginning of primitive digital photography and I proposed to shoot something almost digital to Alexander Liberman who was the great chief, and he said "Why not? Let's try". So we tried. Since then, there has been an enormous technological revolution that has changed the way we look at photography now.

How has fashion photography evolved since you started out in the industry?
First of all, I would speak of change rather than evolution. When I started in the mid-60s there were maybe 200 photographers worldwide. Now we have tens of thousands. The changes in technology have made photography accessible to almost everybody. Also, sadly the big fashion magazines of the past have almost disappeared being completely in the hands of the advertising departments. Therefore it is much more difficult to do creative work as I used to do up until the 80s. There are some notable exceptions to this, mostly in Europe, though. 

Which campaign or shot would you most like to be remembered for?
My pictures of the supermodels in the 80s because it was an unique time that will never come back.

Which 20th century photographers have particularly inspired 
you?
Everything about Richard Avedon and Irvin Penn was inspiring. I also had a close friendship with Helmut Newton, but our approach to women was completely different. I would call it admiration rather than inspiration.

In terms of style 
and aesthetics, which period of the 20th century appeals to you most?
I would say the 70s in terms of style, music, fashion, art: everything.

Which of the original supermodels do you find most inspiring and enjoyable to work with?
Paulina Porizkova and Cindy Crawford. Besides them both being my 'discoveries' and the fact that I spent almost 10 years taking their pictures, they also had a very creative approach to modelling; a style of their own.

Do you personally collect anything? I collect musical instruments because I love music. I often get friends together at my house to play some Jazz.

QUICK-FIRE QUESTIONS: Name your favourite...

Classic car? Bentley, I am now on my fourth one and it's an oasis from the stress of traffic.
Watch brand? De Grisogono, my friend Fawaz has given me two and I wear one almost at all times.
Wine? The Sicilian reds of Tasca Dalmerita. The owner count Lucio Tasca is my childhood friend and I still remember us kids playing in the vineyards.
City? New York N.Y., the most special city in the world, and my home for 40 years.

Marco Glaviano Supermodels is at The Little Black Gallery from 14 February - 24 March 2012 www.thelittleblackgallery.com